Information Literacy , writing, issues of the day -- with random photographs

Thursday, July 18, 2013

e-books

When I first got my iPhone, I thought "I'll never be able to read on that tiny screen,", but that was then, and this is now. As I spent more time with the phone (yes, perhaps too much time, my friends), I got more used to reading even pieces longer than a tweet or Facebook note on the screen. I got better and better at the tiny keyboard, too, thanks in part to my totally nerdy subscription to the New York Times Crossword Puzzles.

The New York Times, the New Yorker and Sports Illustrated provided copies of the electronic versions to their print subscribers, and I downloaded them, for those times when you need something to read and don't have a book with you. I usually read them in print, but I've read several articles and even whole special issues of the New Yorker on the phone.[And you get extra cartoons! Don't tell the marketing people how easily I'm swayed]

McCormick Place Chicago

I downloaded all the library ebook software, so I could practice checking out a book and be able to describe the process to my online clients. However, I had not read a whole book online until I was headed to Chicago for the ALA conference. Yes, taking books along to ALA is a coals to Newcastle experience, since you will come home buried in ARCs and free books and sample books. . . but my thought was -- I'll be in Chicago, I'll be commuting on the El, and I won't want to carry a book, so I should download some library books. I borrowed three and finished one -- when the others returned themselves [Bonus! No fines] I realized I should have prioritized my reading by due date, not that I do that with print books, either. [You can't renew them, per se, but you can borrow them again if there's not a waiting list; I chose to let these two go.]

ALA Exhibit floor

While I didn't read a lot in the city -- too many people to see, things to do, ARCs to collect -- I did find that ebooks are perfect for camping. The phone is lightweight and provides its own light, and I finished my first complete library ebook. I was trying to read in different genres for my public library's adult summer reading game, so I read Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn. I didn't like it as well as Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist, but parts of it were very funny. http://dbooks.wplc.info/ContentDetails.htm?ID=9A579CF9-EEB3-4936-97CB-25DECD5CED78

Point Beach State Park

In addition, I have sent a Kindle book to a friend as a present (not without a lot of discussion with Amazon customer service, enough that I don't plan to try that again) which she did get a few months after the intended occasion. Today, I gave in to the iTunes advertising and bought two books [for just $3.99!! see note above] I did follow the rule that says "if you wouldn't buy it at full price, don't buy it on sale." Maybe now I'll finally read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, which has been recommended to me by a surprisingly varied group of people.

I still prefer print books. I love the library new book shelf, from which I plucked seven books from two different libraries today. I like being surrounded by books, though I admit I'm in the public library today mostly to take advantage of the air conditioning. I don't think beach or bathtub reading works as well with a screen. [Though for your beach and ebook reader fans, try putting your reader in a self closing plastic bag]. I charge my phone at night, and I don't really want it in bed with me, if I'm not in a tent. And I now know I should check ebooks out one at a time, because I forget they are there (less likely with the stack of print books from the library). I'm only a partial convert, but I do see the appeal.

Do you read ebooks? Do you borrow them from the library? What makes them more or less appealing than print? Have you read any truly interactive books, like The 39 Steps?

Reading List

This book was not as successful as the first one; the author has an interesting setting and some interesting ideas, but no character development, so it falls flat. She has a lot of potential, but she has to make all of her characters, an...

While the author clearly has never worked in a library, her imagined library within a lighthouse on North Carolina's outer banks has amusing characters and an interesting setting. While I also guessed the murderer, I found this a good on...

This is a very powerful story. I feel that I am seeing new highlights to the history Ive lived (late 20th Century) lately, both in reading this book and in seeing the film Hidden Figures.
McBride is a good writer, and the stories of hi...

I loved this book, though it could use a little editing. It is my favorite Connie Willis since Bellwether. Is elective brain surgery ever a good idea? This book gives you a lot to think about in terms of privacy, communication, and famil...

This is an excellent addition to an interesting series. I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down. I think that's true of the whole series, though I read the first one some time ago. This story continues Liriel's story, and therefo...

I picked up this series because it is set in Wisconsin, and it's decent, but not as good as I wish every time I pick another one up. The series reminds one of Diane Mott Davidson, but not quite as well written, with slightly less well de...